Federal immigration officers shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration, in Minneapolis during a federal immigration crackdown. This incident, which occurred on a Saturday, marked the second fatal shooting by federal immigration enforcement forces in the city within weeks, following the death of Renee Good on January 7.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents were conducting a "targeted operation" against an individual described as an "illegal alien" wanted for violent assault when Pretti, who family members say was a U.S. citizen and upset by the immigration crackdown, approached Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that officers attempted to disarm Pretti, but he "violently resisted," leading an agent to fire "defensive shots," fearing for their life and the safety of others. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara indicated that police believe Pretti was a "lawful gun owner with a permit to carry."
The shooting immediately sparked protests, with hundreds gathering in the streets to scream profanities at federal officers, calling them "cowards" and chanting "ICE out now." Federal officers responded to the crowd by wielding batons and deploying flash bangs. In response to the escalating tensions and protests, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard to assist local law enforcement in maintaining public safety and protecting critical infrastructure. Governor Walz condemned the federal immigration enforcement actions, calling them "organized brutality" and urged President Donald Trump to end the crackdown in Minnesota, stating that the state would lead the investigation into Pretti's death. Congressional Democrats also reacted with outrage, with some calling for the abolition of ICE and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.